Stoke City midfielder Maurice Edu has agreed to join Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union on a one-year loan with an option to purchase, the team announced Monday on their official website.

The deal was made after weeks of speculation and personnel moves to acquire the former Glasgow Rangers man with the number pick in the allocation order.

The former No.1 overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Edu started his professional career with Toronto FC, earning MLS Rookie of the Year honors at the end of the season. His performances with the Canadian side earned him a move to Europe where he signed with Scottish Premier League side Glasgow Rangers in 2008. He would go on to help the team win three league titles and two league cups.

After 96 appearances with Rangers, Edu would be on the move again by signing with the English Premier League's Stoke City in August 2012. However, sporadic playing time led the former Maryland Terrapin to move on loan to Turkish league side Bursaspor. He made 12 appearances as he helped the team to a fourth place finish in the standings.

The California native follows fellow U.S. national team members Michael Bradley and Michael Parkhurst who also returned to MLS with Toronto and Columbus Crew ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

It is believed that Edu's return stateside will not only guarantee him playing time with the Union but also put him back in contention for place in U.S. national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann's 23-man roster.